Gas generator



. E. E. LAUN AL GAS GENERATOR Filed Nov. 50, 1 25 s Sheets-Sheet 1 April 27, 1926.

E. E. LAUN ET AL GAS GENERATOR Filed Nov. 50, 1925 3.9

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 A ri1'27', 1926. 1,582,832

E; E. LAUN ET AL GAS GENERATOR" Filed Nov. 30, 1925 ,3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Apr. 27, 1926.

'- UNITED STATES I j 1,582,832 PATENT OFFICE.

ERNEST E. LATIN AND ROY E. TULLGBEN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

GAS GENERATOR.

Application filed November 30, 1925. Serial No. 72,187.

- invented certain new and useful Improvements in a. Gas Generator, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to gas generators and particularly'to that type of these devices which are designed'to transform a volatile liquid such as gasoline into a fluid .capable of consumption for heating purposes.

The invention has among its various objects the provision of an arrangement including a reservoir or carburetor in which the liquid is confinedand to connect a motor fan therewith whereby air is introduced to the carburetor andagaseous fluid is exhau'sted therefrom and to combine with a structure such as this a meanswhereby the operation of the blower fan is controlled bythe pressure contained in a receptacle to and from which the fluid is supplied.

The invention has an additional object the provision of an arrangement whereby the blower fan is rendered inoperative in the event that the pressure in the receptacle is reduced below a pressure required for the nor-,

mal operation of the device.

The invention also has as an-object, the

provision of an arrangement whereby the fluid pressure in said above mentioned re ceptacle is released when said pressure exceeds a certain amount.

The invention has as. another feature the 1 employment of an arrangementfwhereby/air is supplied to the fluid drawn-..from the carburetor and to combine a valve with this arrangement whereby the amount of air and fluid may be combined to resulti'n the proper mixture for consumption.

It isalso an object of the invention to eniploy a receptacle into and from which the gas is supplied having a movable element for actuating the elements above described operable by the pressure in the rece tacle and to provide a liquid seal between t e receptacle and said element.

It is also a feature of the invention'to ro vide a means whereby the escape of uid from the receptacle is prevented into certain passages leading to the carburetor and fan.

The invention hast-hese' and other objects all of which will be explained and more readily understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate one embodiment of which the invention is susceptible it being obvious that changes and modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the appended claims forming a part thereof.

Fig. 1 is a side elevationof a device constructed according to oneembodiment of-the invention and having a reservoir associated therewith Fig. 2 1s a vertical central sectional view T of one of the elements employed in the structure illustrated'i'n Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a switch box carried by the structure illustrated in Fig. 2 and employed for controlling the motorfan whereby pressure is provided in the various elements shown in Fig. 1.

D vice shown in Fig. 3. v

Fig. 5 is a view taken on line 55 of Fig. 3 showing more in detail one of the elements of the switch.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a. mercury valve employed in the structure.

Fi 1 is a sectional plan view of the dea Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a mixing valve utilized in the device. I

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a fragment of the device shown in Fig. 2, and

Fig. 9 is a side view of the motor and y fan of the device. k,

Like numerals of reference refer to corresponding parts throughout the difi'e'rent views of the drawings.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the drawings the use of a reservoir 10, is contemplated which may be imbedded in the ground or stored at a place refnote drom other portions of the device so that it may be filled without inconvenience'jto the occupant of the premises in which other portions of the device are located.

This reservoir 10 has located therein a box like structure 11, which is open at one side.

and is providedwith a number of parallel arranged rods 12, and 13, arranged transversely to the box 11, upon which a web 14, of some suitable fabric, such as burlap, is

sup orted. Pipe connections 15, and 16, ex- I ten from the reservoir 10, the pipe 15,'being connected with a blower fan 17, and provides a passage from the blower to the reservoir to create a pressure therein which causes the gases emanating from the web 14, to be forced from the reservoir through the passage 16. The passage 15, is provided with a tubular extension 18, having a hand wheel 19, secured thereto which is formed I with a cap for closing the end of this ex ing filled.

This last mentioned tubular element 20, is provided with a cap 21, which must be removed from the element 20, before the hand Wheel 19, can be rotated to remove the 1 cap from association with the tubular extension 18.

The fan 17, has an air intake pipe 22, and is provided with a pipe connection 23, which 'is connected with a mercury valve 24.

. The pipe extension 23, is connected with a branch .25, and is also connected with a tubular element 26, which connects with the air pipe 15, leading to the reservoir or carburetor, generally designated 10. A mercury valve 27, is located between the tubular extensions 25, and 26, thus it is evident that as the fan is rotated, air will be driven through the tubular extension 23, valve 24, and a portion thereof will pass through the tubular extension 25, and another portion thereof will pass the mercury valve 27, and travel through the tubular extension 26, and through the pipe connection15, to the reservoir 10, creating a pressure therein whichis allowed to escape from the reservoir or carburetor through the tubular passage 16,

and through the regulating valve 28. This regulating valve 28, is shown in detail in Fig. 7.

The motor fan 17 includes a motor and a fan which are arranged in separated relation to each other so that one is remote from the other.

This arrangement is resorted to to prevent the possibility of causing injury to these elements by ignition of gas by sparking of the motor should the pressure at any time be in excess of that capable of control by the mercury valve. As an example should pressure be developed in the carburetor in ex cess of that controlled by the mercury valve 24, the arrangement is such thatthis gas -would pass said valve and travel through the fan housing and thence to the atmosphere via the pipe 22 which may terminate outside of the building in which the device located, and thereby prevent ignition of "this gas, which might occur if the motor were located in close proximity to the fan.

From the foregoing, it is evident that a mixture of gas and air passes the valve 28,

and by virtue of the fact that this valve is connected by means of the tubular pasj sage "29, to the receptacle 33, combustible gas under pressure is delivered to the receptacle.

This tubular passage 29, has connected thereto an upwardly extending tubular passage 31, which is arranged within the receptacle 30, and extends upwardly a suitable distance in the receptacle 30. The receptacle 30, is provided with a suitable .amount ofliquid 32, and also has arranged therein a pressure actuated gasometer 33.. The lowermost end of the gasometer 33, is open and is sealed through the medium of the liquid 32. As before stated, this gasometer 33 is movablewithin the receptacle 30, and the liquid 32, it being actuated in one direction by the pressure existing in the space 34, provided between the level of the liquid 32, and the Walls of the gasometer 33.

It is of course understood that the pressure existing in the space 34, is caused to exist therein by virtue of the tubular extension 31, which extends a suitable distance above the normal liquid level of the liquid 32, and discharges the gas into the space 34. As the pressure in the space 34, increases, the

gasometer 33, is elevated, when the latterreaches a certain predetermined elevated position, the switch structure, generally desig nated 35, and clearly shown in Figs. 3, and 4, is actuated to cut out the motor of the fan 17, and prevent its further operation.

A tubular extension 36, communicates with the space 34, and is provided to form a means whereby the gas in the space 34, is permitted to escape therefrom into a feed pipe 37, which is connected to a burner of a stove or furnace. As the pressure in the space 34, is reduced through consumption of the gas passing from the tubular member 36, the gasometer 33, is automatically lowered. WVhen the gasometer is lowered to a certain predetermined position, the switch mechanism, generally designated 35, is again actuated to cause the operation of the motor fan 17, which will again build up the pressure in the space 34, and cause the gasometer 33, to again be elevated until the switch mechanism 35, as again actuated to cut out the motor of the fan 17 A means is provided whereby when a pressure beyond a predetermined amount exists in the space 34, this pressure may be relieved and thereby prevent injury to the various elements forming the structure, or the dwelling in which the device is located.

This last mentioned means includes a tubular passage 38, which may be termed ablowoff passage, and be extended to some point outsideof the structure in which the device is located so that the excess pressure in the space 34, may be exhausted into the atmosphere.

To prevent blowing up of the structure due to an excess of the pressure in the space 34, the tubular element 38, is provided with an extension 39, having the apertures 40.

the gasometer 33, the latter of which is provided with a tubular portion 41, within the operation ofthe switch to throw in the 66 which the extension 39, is located. The tubular portion 41, of the gasometer 33, is provided with a plurality of apertures 42, which when the pressure in the'space 34, exceeds a predetermined amount, causes the gasometer 33, to be elevated until the apertures 42, in

the tubular portion 41, thereof to register with e apertures 40, provided in the tubular e tension 39, and will thus allow the escapg/of the pressure and prevent injury to the'device.

Provision is made to allow the escape of any gas which might find its way into the space between the upper end of the gasometer and the receptacle 30, in which the gas o-met er operates. To this end the pipe 39, is open at its upper end and, supported at this end in spaced relation to the cover of the receptacle by means of a spider 39, thus,

a ly gas finding its wayinto the space in which the gasometer operates,. may escape through the pipe 39 and be discharged into the atmosphere through the blow-off pipe 38. The gasometer 33, is provided. with .an apertured lug 43, which as clearly shown in F igz 8, is ,connected with an arm 44, which extends through an aperture 45, in the receptacle 30, and is mounted upon a shaft 46, the shaft being a part of the switch mechanism, generally designated 35, and clearly shown in Figs. 3 and p 1 The end of the arm 44, adjacent the shaft 46, is encased in a housing 47, which issecured to the receptacle 30, and provides a elosurefor the opening 45. This housing 47,

i is as-shown in. Fig. 4, sealed -'or closed by operation until again manually brought into servic iucansof a packing nut 48.

The switch mechanism, generally desig-' nated;35, is provided with a means, generally designated 49, which is operablejin the event of the pressure in the ace 34, being reduced beyond the predetermined reduced pressure.

previously referred to, or otherwise, to thereby cut out the motor and prevent its further The switch, generally designated 35, ,includes a.,.,shaft which-is rotated. through the medium of the arm 44, and its connection with thegasometer 33, and this shaft carries a forked-arm 51"," having rollers 52.52,

- detail.

It being understood that this switch is con-v nected vwith a source of current and in turn which engage an extension 53, ofa snap switch 54. This snap switch 54, is of the ordinary character such as-now extensively used and therefore will not 'be described in tated upon the downward movement of the gasometen 33, the forked-arm 51, will cause motor and cause its actuation.

It is further evident that as the gasometer 33, is elevated, the shaft 50, will be rotated in the reverse direction, which causes. the switch to be actuated to cut out the motor and to, stop its rotation when the gasometer reaches a certain predetermined elevation.

During the operation of the structure, this intermittent throwing on and off of the motor, will cause proper pressure to be maintained in the space 34, during consumption of the gas contained in the space The switch element,- generally designated 49, is provided to prevent the accidental discharge of fuel through the burner, should at any time the current leading to the motor be cutoff for an unreasonable period, as it is evident that should a condition such as that just referred to at any time exist, that a burner might be left open, and due to the consumption of the fuel existing in the space 34, become extinguished and would therefore, unless SOIDGQPI'OVISIOD 1s made for auto matically preventingthe operation of the motor, cause the pressure to again be produced .in' the space 34, and escape through the open burner. To obviate any happenings such as this,the shaftt50, of the switch is'provided with a lifting element 55, which I is designed to co-operate with a holding dog 56, which is actuated in one direction by a coil spring 57 which reacts between the dog and a wallof the casing in which the switch, generally designated 35, is located. The holding dog 56, engages a switch blade 58,- pivoted at 59, and operable by means "of the spring 60, to cause the disengagement of, .the switch blade 58, with the contact element 61, uponthe actuation of the holding'dog 56, by the element 55.

The switch blade 58, is "normally at closed, and is, through the medium of the 1 conductors 62, and 63, connected in circuit with the motor.

'From theexplanation of the construction and the operation of the switch, generally a designated 49, it iswmanifest that whenthegasometer 33, is lowered beyond the predetermined lo wered position, "previously referred to, that the element 55, will be brought into engagement with the holding element 56, and cause the latter to be rocked on its pivot 64, to release the spring actuated switch blade 58, from its connection with the terminal 61, which will thus cut out the motor and prevent its operation 7 to build u a pressure in the space 34, which might un er the conditions previously referred to, escape through an open burner without being consumed.

A push button 65, is located so that it may 'co-operate Wltlf the switch blade 58,- and 6 and are formed with a chamber 67, in

which mercury may be confined, and in addition, are provided with a valve element 68, the structure being such that it will permit the passage of gas in one direction and prevent the escape of gas in the reverse direction, thus when the operation of the motor ceases, the pressure existing in the space 34, is maintained until reduced by consumption.

It is evident from the construction of the valve shown in Fig. 6, that, as the back pressure is increased, the float valves 68, will be acted upon by the pressure to move the float toward the seat 68 causing it to be come seated thereon, which with the mercury provides a double seal against the es cape'ot the gas under pressure from the space 34.

From the foregoing explanation of the construction and operation of the device, it is manifest that a simple arrangement is provided whereby a pressure producing means such as the motor fan 17 is automatically and intermittently actuated to maintain a predetermined pressure-in the space 34, between the gasometer and the receptacle 30.

It is further evident that a means is provided for preventing the accidental operation of the motor fan 17, to build up a pressure should at any time the current leading to the motor be cut oil and the pressure of the fuel reduced and the fuel consumed thus eliminating possibility of permitting the fuel to escape through an open jet.

Having thus described the invention what to secure, by Letters;

we claim and desire Patent 1s' 1; In adevice of the class described, the

combination of a receptacle, with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet communicating with the interiorot' the receptacle, fluid pressure operable means located in the receptacle, liquid provided in. said receptacle forming a seal between the receptacle and saidmeans, and means for releasing the pressure in-said receptacle upon the breaking of said seal.

2'. In a device of the class described, the combination of a receptacle, with a fluid inlet leading to the interior of the receptacle, a fluid outlet leading from said receptacle, fluid pressure operable means located'in said receptacle, and means for producing pressure in said receptacle, said last mentioned means being controlled by said fluid pressure operable-'ineans, and means operable upon the movement of said fluid pressure operable means beyond a predetermined position, for releasing the pressure in said receptacle.

3. In a device of the class described, the combination of a receptacle, with a fluid in let leading to the interior of the receptacle, :1 fluid outlet leading from the interior of the receptacle, fluid pressure operable means lo cated in the receptacle, a passage leading from the interior of the receptacle to the atmosphere, said passage and fluid pressure operable means having means whereby the pressure in said receptacle is released through the passage leading to the atmos phere when said fluid pressure operable means in moved beyond a predetermined position.

4. In a device ofthe character described, the combination of a reservoir, with passages leading to and from the reservoir, a motor fan connected with said passages, a receptacle, a passage connected with said first mentioned passages and terminating in said receptacle, a valve arranged at the connection of said passages, a passage leading from the interior of said receptacle, pressure operable means located in said receptacle, a switch for controlling the operation of the motor fan, said switch being controlled by said pressure operable means.

5. In a device of the character described, the combination of a receptacle, with pressure operable means located in said receptacle, a motor fan, a fluid inlet connected lltl switch to cut out the motor when said pressure operable means assumes a position beyond its first mentioned switch actuating position. p

"6. In adevic'ef'of ftlieclass described, the combination of a receptacle, with pressure operable means located in said receptacle, a-

motor tan, a fluid inlet connected. with the fan and terminatingin' the receptacle, a fluid outlet leading from the receptacle, a switch, a connection between the switch and the pressure operable means for opening and' closing the switch, and means operable to render the switch inoperative when said pressure operable means reaches a position beyond its normal switch opening and closiag positions.

7. In a device of the class described, the combination of a receptacle, with pressure operable means located in said receptacle, amotor fan, a fluid inlet connected with the fan and terminating in the receptacle, a fluid outlet leading: from the receptacle, ,a switch, a connection between the switch and the pressure operable means for opening and closing the switch, and means operable to render the switch inoperative when said ressure operable means reaches a position. Eeyond its normal switch opening and clos- 10 ing positions, and manually operable means for actuating the last mentioned means to restore said switch to an operative position.

ERNEST E. LAUN. ROY E. TULLGREN. 

